Lynda Britchford
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This professional is currently not accepting new clients and may not respond to general enquiries at this time.
This professional is currently not accepting new clients and may not respond to general enquiries at this time.
About me
PLEASE NOTE: I do not currently have any spaces for new clients, and my website is currently being updated.
Trust, and integrity are very important to me, and I am strongly committed to offering my clients an honest, respectful, safe and confidential relationship in which to work together.
Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming and difficult, particularly if it is related to trauma. It can take time to feel safe and to build a trusting relationship in which you feel able to share things which you may not have spoken about before. I understand this, and commit to sitting with you in that space without the pressure of time limited therapy.
I recognise that as a client, its really important to feel that you connect with your therapist - I am able to offer you a free 15 minute telephone conversation in which we can talk about why you are seeking therapy, and to decide whether you would like a face to face meeting.
What can I offer you?
Trauma can feel like it shatters the very essence of who you are. Those experiences can leave you feeling anxious, hyper vigilant and tense, and being triggered into fearful responses and flashbacks that you may struggle to make sense of. But, you are a resilient, courageous being, and have already experienced the worst. Therapy with me offers you a safe, containing space to understand yourself more. To make sense of those responses, in the context of your experiences, and to connect with the compassionate part of yourself to calm the traumatised parts of the self. It's a space where you can sit quietly, rant, explore, cry, feel, and be seen and heard in a safe, okay way. It can feel scary, vulnerable, and comforting all at once. I wont ask you to share details of difficult experiences, or to talk about anything you aren't ready to. We can explore ways of understanding your current difficulties and what it is you need to help you feel safe, and resourced in the here and now. If at a later time, when you feel able, you want to explore your trauma in more detail, I can support you with that in a safe, contained and compassionate way. I have 30 years experience of being alongside people with trauma histories, and giving them a safe space to be heard.
I work with adults and teens over the age of 18. I work with people who are experiencing difficulties with..
Low self confidence
Depression
Anxiety
Sexual, Physical and Emotional abuse
Relationship or family issues
Consequences of trauma.
Dissociation
Dissociative Identity Disorder
I welcome people from marginalised communities, and work with many gender diverse, sexually diverse, and neurodivergent people. However if you would prefer a therapist who has lived experience of a particular area, I also have a diverse network of colleagues I can signpost you too. I myself am physically disabled, have long term health issues, and have ADHD, however I acknowledge that my experience will differ from yours, as we are all unique individuals, and your therapy is about YOUR experience.
What type of therapy I provide:
I use a humanistic model of therapy - predominantly from a person centred perspective. This focuses on the genuine psychological contact between me and you, the client, and my unconditional positive regard for you. Empathy for you, and a desire to understand your experience is core to the therapeutic process. I am also trauma informed, and have the ability/experience to provide a range of approaches to help reduce trauma symptoms eg flashbacks. I am a certified Rewind practitioner, Safe and Sound Protocol practitioner, and Flash Technique practitioner. Further areas of trauma focussed training are available on my website.
I am currently involved in further study, and am working towards qualification as a certified Transactional Analyst. Transactional Analysis is also a humanistic approach, strongly rooted in the principles of mutual respect, equality and the belief that all individuals have intrinsic value. (People are okay). TA also encompasses the belief that everyone has the capacity to think, and that while people decide their own destiny, these decisions can be changed. It provides a framework to understand how we develop into the people we are, and the shaping of our coping strategies and behaviour. Bringing these things into awareness enables change to occur, by working together therapeutically to achieve desired goals.
Training, qualifications & experience
* MNCPS Acc - I am an accredited member of the National Counselling Society.
* Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
* Zero Suicide Alliance, Suicide Prevention Training (Online)
* Transactional Analysis 101 certificate (Berne Institute)
* Foundation Certificate in Transactional Analysis (Berne Institute)
* I am also a qualified nurse and have a Diploma in Higher Education: Nursing. I have 30 years experience of working with people experiencing psychological distress and mental health difficulties.
* Somatic Trauma Therapy (current) Babette Rothschild
* Foundational Safe and Sound Protocol Certification (Unyte Academy/Stephen Porges)
* Sensitive Approach Safe and Sound Protocol Workshop (Dr. Liz Charles)
* Working with Dissociative Disorders in Clinical Practice (PODS)
* Dealing with Distress: Suicide and Self Harm (PODS)
* Making Trauma Therapy Safer - Babette Rothschild
*CBT and Counselling with Autism Spectrum Disorder Clients: A Masterclass with Professor Tony Attwood
* Certificate in working with Children and Young People - Berne Institute
* Certificate in Treating Trauma, Complex PTSD, and Dissociative Disorders (Kathy Steele)
* Transformational Approaches to Treating Complex Trauma (Janina Fisher)
* Advanced Training in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy (Towards Masters Degree) - Berne Institute
* Certificate in Online Working (80hrs) - Counselling Tutor
* As an accredited member of the National Counselling Society, I abide by their code of practice. I have regular supervision, and have appropriate professional insurance.
I am also a student member of UKATA (United Kingdom Association Transactional Analysis) and the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), and abide by their codes of ethics.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.
In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I am able to work with adults and teens over the age of 15. I am experienced in supporting people who are experiencing..
Low self confidence, Depression, Anxiety, Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Emotional abuse, and neglect. Relationship difficulties, Trauma, Dissociative problems, Asperger syndrome, and personality disorder.
I am a dissociation friendly therapist and have experience both personally and professionally, supporting individuals who experience dissociation and dissociative identities. I support people in a trauma informed way.
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Additional information
£65 per hour, via bank transfer. Please note I offer a full 60 minute session, not the more standard 50 minutes.
Longer sessions available by agreement:
90 minutes - £97.50
120 minutes - £130
When I work
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My working hours are between 11am and 5.30pm.